HASA NYC: Who Qualifies, the 30% Rent Cap, and How to Apply (2026)
You live in New York City, you were diagnosed with HIV, and rent is eating your whole check. Someone told you about “HASA housing,” but online guides call it a voucher and list different phone numbers. You want the real rules.
HASA is the HIV/AIDS Services Administration, part of NYC’s Human Resources Administration (HRA). Any NYC resident diagnosed with HIV or AIDS can get HASA case management. If you also meet income rules, HASA can help with housing and rent. Many clients in private apartments pay 30% of their income toward rent. HASA is not Section 8 and not CityFHEPS.
This guide explains who qualifies, what the program pays, and how to apply.
What is HASA in NYC?
HASA is a city program run by NYC’s Human Resources Administration for New Yorkers living with HIV or AIDS. It offers case management, help applying for benefits, emergency and supportive housing, and rental assistance. HRA’s 2026 FAQ says HASA rental help is not CityFHEPS or a voucher program. You get an assigned caseworker at a local center in your borough.
| Service | What it includes |
|---|---|
| Case management | An assigned caseworker at a local center |
| Benefits help | Medicaid, SNAP, and Cash Assistance applications |
| Housing | Emergency, supportive, and private market housing help |
| Rental assistance | Part of the rent goes straight to the landlord |
| Other help | Home care, transportation, job services, SSI and SSD help |
Source: NYC HRA HIV/AIDS Services page.
Takeaway: this is a full support program, not only a rent check.
Who qualifies for HASA?
Any NYC resident diagnosed with HIV or AIDS at any time qualifies for HASA case management. Since August 29, 2016, you don’t need symptoms or an AIDS diagnosis. For rent and cash help, you must also meet financial rules. HRA’s FAQ says household income must be below 200% of the federal poverty level.
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Diagnosis | HIV or AIDS, diagnosed at any time |
| Residence | New York City |
| Symptoms needed? | No, since August 29, 2016 |
| Income for rental help | Below 200% of the federal poverty level |
| 200% limit, one person | $31,920 a year, per HRA’s June 2026 FAQ |
| Apartment | Rent and lease must be approved |
The income limit goes up with household size. Your caseworker checks your exact numbers.
Takeaway: everyone diagnosed with HIV in NYC can get a caseworker, even with income too high for rent help.
How much does HASA pay for rent?
It depends on your income and household. Some clients live in private apartments and have income other than Cash Assistance. HRA’s FAQ says they pay 30% of gross household income toward rent. The program pays the rest, up to its rent guidelines. Payments go straight to the landlord twice a month. The rent and lease must be approved first.
| Your situation | What you pay |
|---|---|
| Private apartment, income from work, SSI, SSD, or other non-cash-assistance sources | 30% of gross household income |
| Cash Assistance only | Based on public assistance rules |
| Supportive or emergency housing | Set by the program |
Two details from the FAQ matter:
- Gross income counts. Your 30% share is figured before most income disregards.
- Rent guidelines aren’t guaranteed. They depend on household size. Rent should include heat and hot water in most cases.
For leases starting on or after September 10, 2025, HRA uses its Special Services Rent Payment Guidelines. Ask your caseworker for the current amounts.
Takeaway: if you have steady income, your rent share is usually 30% of it.
What types of HASA housing are there?
HASA offers three main paths. Emergency housing is same-day temporary housing for homeless new clients. Supportive housing comes with on-site or linked services, after a health assessment. With private market housing, you find your own apartment. The program helps pay rent if it approves the unit and lease. Your caseworker helps you pick a path.
| Housing type | Who it’s for | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency housing | Homeless new clients | Same-day placement through ServiceLine; temporary |
| Supportive housing | Clients who need services | Assessment interview, then matched to congregate or scatter-site housing |
| Private market housing | Clients who can live on their own | You find the unit; caseworker inspects it before approval |
Caseworkers can share a list of brokers who have worked with program clients. HRA says availability isn’t guaranteed.
Takeaway: if you’re homeless today, go to ServiceLine and ask for emergency housing.
How do I apply for HASA?
Call the DSS OneNumber at 718-557-1399, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Or go to ServiceLine at 400 Eighth Avenue, 2nd Floor, in Manhattan. Many people are referred by a clinic or service group, but you can call yourself. You’ll need medical proof of your HIV diagnosis on an HRA-accepted form.
- Call 718-557-1399 or visit ServiceLine.
- Get medical proof. Ask your doctor or clinic to complete the form HRA accepts, such as Form W488X.
- Submit documents by mail, in person, or by email to ServiceLine@hra.nyc.gov.
- Meet your caseworker. You’ll be assigned to a local center.
- Apply for benefits your caseworker recommends, such as SNAP or Medicaid.
- Choose a housing path with your caseworker.
Some websites list an older intake number. Use the number on HRA’s official page.
Takeaway: one phone call or one visit to ServiceLine starts the process.
Is HASA the same as Section 8 or CityFHEPS?
No. HASA is a city program for people with HIV. Section 8 is a federal voucher program run by housing authorities. CityFHEPS is a city rental voucher, mostly for people in shelter or at risk of it. HRA’s FAQ says HASA rental help isn’t CityFHEPS or a voucher. You may qualify for more than one, but rules differ.
| Program | Who runs it | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| HASA | NYC HRA | NYC residents diagnosed with HIV or AIDS |
| Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher | NYCHA or HPD, with federal funds | Low-income families on a waiting list |
| CityFHEPS | NYC Department of Social Services | Mostly families and adults in or near shelter |
Our CityFHEPS guide explains that program. New York’s source of income law bans landlords from refusing tenants because of lawful rent help. See our source of income laws by state.
Takeaway: ask your caseworker whether another program fits better, but don’t drop your current help to chase one.
HASA myths vs facts
Reddit threads and voucher websites often get HASA wrong. Some call it a Section 8 voucher. Others say you need an AIDS diagnosis or symptoms. Some list outdated phone numbers. We checked these claims against HRA’s official HASA page and its June 2026 FAQ. Use this table before you call or apply.
| What people say online | What HRA says |
|---|---|
| “HASA is a housing voucher.” | HRA says its rental help is not a voucher program. |
| “You need AIDS or symptoms to qualify.” | Since 2016, any HIV diagnosis qualifies. |
| “HASA pays your whole rent.” | Many clients pay 30% of gross income. |
| “Any apartment works.” | The unit and lease must be approved after an inspection. |
| “The program guarantees a broker.” | Caseworkers share a broker list, but nothing is guaranteed. |
| “You can only apply through a clinic.” | You can contact ServiceLine directly. |
Takeaway: this is one of NYC’s strongest housing programs, if you use the official contacts.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for HASA in NYC?
Any NYC resident diagnosed with HIV or AIDS at any time is eligible for case management. For rental and cash help, you must also meet financial rules. Income must be below 200% of the federal poverty level.
How much does HASA pay for rent in 2026?
It depends on your household and income. Clients in private apartments with income other than Cash Assistance usually pay 30% of gross income. The program pays the rest, within HRA’s rent guidelines. Ask your caseworker for current amounts.
What is the HASA phone number?
Call the DSS OneNumber at 718-557-1399, Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. You can also visit ServiceLine at 400 Eighth Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhattan.
Can I use HASA with my own apartment?
Yes. You can find a private market apartment. Your caseworker must inspect it, and the agency must approve the rent and lease before payments start.
Is HASA only for people with AIDS?
No. Since August 29, 2016, anyone diagnosed with HIV can get services. You don’t need symptoms or an AIDS diagnosis.
Does HASA help with emergency housing?
Yes. Homeless new clients can ask for same-day emergency placement at ServiceLine. Emergency placements are temporary. Your caseworker then helps you find longer-term housing.
Your next step
If you live in NYC and were diagnosed with HIV, call 718-557-1399 today. Ask your clinic for the medical form at the same time. Start with our Section 8 in NYC guide, or browse more NYC voucher guides or all our guides.
This guide gives general information, not legal or medical advice. Program rules and rent guidelines can change. Confirm details with HRA or your caseworker. Read how we check our facts, or report an error. Last reviewed: October 14, 2026.
Sources: NYC HRA: HIV/AIDS Services (HASA) | NYC HRA: HASA Frequently Asked Questions, SPSVC-18 (June 2026) | NYC HRA: HASA FAQs and Financial Assistance Estimator | Also cited: New York City Human Rights Law (lawful source of income).
